AIE apprentices and trade staff at Blacker Marine Customs in Mackay with Andrew Scott and Andrew Fielding While some may consider January a traditionally slow month, we believe it’s anything but this year, especially for the BIA!
As the holiday season lingers (or partly concludes, with some States already back in school), the BIA Team remains dedicated to advancing key priorities for 2024. We are actively planning our business activities throughout the year, maintaining a focused approach and a clear path for achieving all deliverables.
The Discover Boating advertising campaign runs until 31 January and has had great reviews from industry who have seen it on TV or devices as well as engagement from the boating public.
Our Boating Industry Academy and Education, Skills and Training work with schools, RTO providers and members is gathering momentum. We will see an expansion of our Education, Skills and Training presence at Shows and other events, focusing on pathways for people entering or wanting to enter our industry. In the Careers space, our focus is for positive advocation for all members, and in particular, we are working closely with our Women in Boating Division, (headed by Tracy Souris), to attend Careers Expo’s throughout Australia this year, with a view of increasing awareness for women considering entering the Marine Industry.
As for our Divisional structure, we have set proposed dates for meetings this year, these shall be sent out next week, locking in routine sessions with all Divisions and Councils. These are vital opportunities for members to raise issues and opportunities for BIA to consider.
The BIA Team is meeting in Sydney next week, to discuss how to best deliver our priorities, ensuring strong engagement with Members and delivery of advocacy to government, marketing programs and our event activations. We will also continue to represent the boating industry across Australia and, where appropriate, internationally.
We have created two new positions within the BIA, these are;
- Business Development Manager, based in our Queensland office. We welcome Andrew Fielding to our employee Team. Andrew brings a significant amount of marine industry experience to the BIA, having been involved in the BIA for many years as Director and President. Andrews’ role includes; local and State government representation, Education, Jobs and Skills including TAFE and RTO’s, Boat Shows and Sponsorship.
- Business Support Officer, as advertised on the Marine Jobs website. This role will be based in our Rozelle Office, at the Superyacht Centre, on the Sydney Harbour waterfront. It is a part-time role, with a focus on bookkeeping, membership and CRM support and general administration.
Our thoughts go out to the North Queensland communities, be safe and secure throughout the forthcoming adverse weather conditions.
The year ahead is certain to be an exciting and productive one for the BIA across Australia.
See you on the water.
Andrew Scott, CEO
